| DEP Offers
Federal Funds to Local Organizations to Support Wildfire Protection
(05/16) TRENTON -- Department of Environmental Protection
(DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today announced the availability
of $300,000 in federal funds for local organizations throughout
New Jersey to help promote wildfire protection in their communities.
“The safety of New Jersey residents is the state’s
top priority,” said Acting Governor Richard J. Codey. “These
funds provide organizations with the resources necessary for community
specific action, resulting in a higher level of safety from the
dangers of wildfire, an opportunity that I encourage communities
in New Jersey to take advantage of.”
“This funding will help local communities become fire-wise,
reducing risks to lives and property,” said Commissioner
Campbell. “The matching grants strengthen our partnership
with towns and local fire departments in preventing, and responding
to, wildfires.”
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service will provide reimbursement
of up to $5,000 spent by a qualifying organization on projects
associated with the National Fire Plan program goals.
The grants are funded by the National Fire Plan, an effort initiated
by Congress in 2002 to develop a coherent strategy to protect
Americans from wildfire.
New Jersey volunteer fire departments, counties, towns and local
service and civic organizations may apply for the funds through
the Community Wildfire Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant program.
Activities eligible for reimbursement under this grant program
include reducing excessive vegetation accumulations; participating
in prescribed burning projects; developing wildfire protection
and preparedness capabilities; and implementing wildfire awareness
and educational programs. Related costs associated with the planning
or logistical support of these projects may also be eligible for
reimbursement. Applications are due by June 30, 2005.
The DEP is committed to protecting life and property, as well
as New Jersey's natural resources, from destruction by wildfires.
Each year an average of 1,500 wildfires damage or destroy 7,000
acres of New Jersey’s forests. Since people cause 99 percent
of all New Jersey wildfires, citizen awareness is the single most
effective method of preventing further wildfire damage.
DEP’s Forest Fire Service administers the Community Wildfire
Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program. To receive a grant application,
call (732) 833-4847 or visit the Web site at www.njwildfire.org.
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